The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1887-09-13
a Makiki Claimant.

EDITOR GAZETTE: Seeing written so much
about the Makiki claims, you would favor me
by giving space to the following lines in your
valuable paper. Being one of the claimants,
it provokes me to see the Ministry censured
where it has performed nothing but an act of
justice, an opinion that have not the slight
est doubt will be shared by every right-think-
ing person after becoming acquainted with
the following facts experienced on my part.
1t was in the month of December, 1884, that
a committee of about dozen members ap-
pointed by the Government came to look at
my place in Makiki Valley, asking me the
price of it and saying that the Government
nolulu Water Works Having bought that
place only the year previous for the establish
ment of ranch on a small scale, thinking
that such an occupation would restore my
failing health, l told the committee that I
would not sell, receiving the answer that if 1
did not name my price | should have to be
satisfied with the award given me. Though
at first not inclined to submit to any such ac-
ton, l thought it wisest, after consulting
some friends, to yield and give up my place,
thus avoiding trouble with the Government
in the person of the Water Works luna of the
Makiki reservoir, who protested, from the
time | started there, against my keeping
ducks, pigs, ETC., that might dirty the water,
as well as the trespassing of my stock on
bounded on all sides, and of which every
owner of horse or horses living there was
making use for pasturage.
l therefore named my price, or rather the
amount sacrificed from the time had bought
the place, and was examined by the commit
tee as to the details of the amount asked. A
week or so later received through the Post
Office, from the Minister of Interior, writing
notifying me as to the amount awarded me,
which was 500 less than what | had proved
to be my outlay on the place. Certainly
had a right to appeal, but being anxious to
see the matter settled, so as to be enabled to
60 to work again without much more loss of
time, did not make use of this privilege.
Meanwhile, l had been asked for the deeds,
being told that they had to be made over to
the Government before l could get my pay,
but that this would not require above few
days. The time named having expired [ went
to the Government House, but there was no
money for me. | kept on going there week
after week, month after month, with the same
result, receiving all the time but empty prom
iSes. Losing my patience. l at last asked the
return of my deeds, considering the transac-
ton cancelled, for | was decided rather to
suffer the loss of time and money in having
neglected the place than having this bother
continued; but | was told that in order to oct
them l should have to sue the Minister of In
terror. What could do without money?
mus the Legislature OF 1890 came along.
and. thanks to Mr.. 1hurstOn, 10Y case. with
those of the other claimants, was brouoht mn
and came as far as to pass second reading.
aud would have passed the third one had ne
session lasted a few days longer The above
is my case, and worse than mine were those
Of the natives Of whom some we're living on
the charity OF their neighbors.
Now, leave 1t TO every fair minded person.
was the Ministry, that was acquainted to a
Cyrp uuf-
those claims, or rather the principal OF them
The interest has not been paid, for the reason
that the Ministry did not think itself justified
IN paying the rate asked without consent III
the Legislature. J.H. Scfrytcv
Honolulu, September 8, 1887.